Chevrolet

Charting the Changes for 2002

DANIEL PUND

Oct 1, 2001

It's appropriate that the two all-new vehicles from Chevrolet are trucks. GM has invested big time in its truck lineup. First out was the new-for-2002 TrailBlazer. With its powerful 4.2-liter straight-six and larger dimensions, it finally can go head-to-head with its nemesis, the Ford Explorer (also new for 2002), in the conventional mid-size-ute category. There's nothing conventional about the 2002 Avalanche, a half-sport-ute, half-pickup, and all-weird vehicle. If you can get past its looks, the Avalanche is a clever and nice-driving full-size truck. The Avalanche is the first vehicle to allow owners to open the rear of the cabin to the bed for ultimate cargo capacity or close off the cabin from the bed for seating up to six. It will be available later in the model year with a big-block V-8.

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The Chevy we'd be most likely to buy is the Corvette Z06. Its engine has been upgraded to 405 hp for 2002. Other changes to the highest-performing Vette are new rear shock valving, high-performance front brake pads, cast (instead of forged) aluminum wheels, and an in-dash CD player. The rest of the Corvette lineup is unchanged. Chevy's other performance coupe, the Camaro, appears to be going out with a bang. The 2002 model will likely be the last for this crude-but-fast coupe. Chevy is offering a 35th-anniversary package for SS coupes and convertibles. The package includes Rallye Red paint, wide silver hood-stripe decals, and special wheels.

The two-door Monte Carlo receives some interior upgrades. Chevy will offer the four-door Impala with a sport-appearance package consisting of new taillights, front fascia, and interior details, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. The Malibu is unchanged. The Cavalier gets a new 140-hp, 2.2-liter Ecotech four-cylinder engine. The sporty-looking Z24 model will come with two doors or four. The Prizm will spend 2002 on its deathbed.

Meanwhile, the aged Astro is the van that will not die; it is unchanged for 2002. The full-size Express van is changed only in trim and packaging options. The Venture minivan comes with an optional DVD system and a new optional all-wheel-drive system. The old Blazer is still available in two- and four-door models despite the existence of the new TrailBlazer. It's not significantly changed. The small Suzuki-designed Tracker sport-ute gets package and trim changes for 2002. The full-size Tahoe and jumbo-size Suburban utes get more standard equipment in LS trim, including power seats and heated outside mirrors. All extended-cab versions of the S-10 small pickup come standard with a third door for the new year. Air conditioning and a tachometer are now standard on all S-10s. The Silverado is largely unchanged.